Recognised for her commitment and dedication to coaching young people throughout Renfrewshire and Dunbartonshire, the nineteen year old from Bishopton was awarded this year’s the 2016 Renfrewshire Young Coach of the Year.

Speaking to Emily about her involvement with coaching she said, “It all started when I was 13. I needed to do some volunteer work as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award at school so secured a work placement at Barsail Primary School in Erskine through the Renfrewshire Active Schools Team.

“I was never a sporty child and was always the one who came last at sports day. It’s something that’s just caught my attention and wasn’t something that I thought would be anything more than volunteering for the Duke of Edinburgh but its resulted in me getting a job and pursuing a career in sports.”

Nominated by Ian Shearer an Active Schools Co-ordinator for Renfrewshire for her work with St Mirren under 18’s and under 16’s basketball teams, Emily was successfully shortlisted before being invited to attend the awards ceremony at Paisley Town Hall on Friday 16 September.

Having enjoyed the awards the year previous as a guest, this year as a potential winner was a whole different ballgame. Emily said “Having been before I was really looking forward to it as I knew it would be a great night but it was totally different. I was really nervous, so much so that I couldn’t enjoy the meal.

“It’s all bit of a blur, but I was so shocked when I heard my name called, especially as I knew a couple of the people I was up against as I’d worked with them and knew how good they were.

It’s a fantastic achievement which I’m very proud of and makes all the hard work worthwhile.”

Now in her second year at College Emily is well on her way to securing a bright future for herself.  “I really enjoy College. The course has is a good mix of practical and theory and has helped me expand on the skills that I already have from coaching and has helped me develop the skills I need to pursue a career in teaching. I’m hoping to go on to University after this with the aim to becoming a High School PE Teacher.”

Pat Shearer, the Curriculum and Quality Leader for Sports at the Colleges Clydebank campus commented, “Emily thoroughly deserves this award. Through her coaching and volunteering, she gives her precious time, to help, support and develop the lives of others.  We are all thoroughly delighted for her. She is a credit to herself and to WCS”.